Corn-planter.



|. A. WEAVER.

CORN PLANTER.

APPLICATION msu Amm, 1907.

Patented June 29, 1915.

8 SHEETS-SHEET 2.

i. A. WEAVER.

CORN PLANTER. APPLICATION mep Amm. 1907.

Patented June ,29, 1915.

8 SHEEIS SHEET 3 n1. .llt-

W WEE n,

.nueve rs1-m :1.11m wwwrun. n c

l. A. WEAVER.

Y CORN PLANTER.

APPucATm man Aulas. 1901.

1,144,625. Patented June 29, m5.

8 SHEETS-SHEET 4.

l. A. WEAVER.

CORN PLANTES.

APPucATloN' m50 Aus.9, 1907.

1,1444625. Pand June29,^1915.

La Q Z! s. A. WEAVER.

CORN PLANTER.

' PPLICATION FILED AUG.9, 1907. 1,144,625. l Patented June 29,1915.

8 SHEETS-SHEET 6.

i. A. WEAVER.

CORN PLANTES.

APPLICATION FILED Auana, '1907.

Patented J une 29, 1915..

a SHEETS-skier 1.

1. A. WEAVER.

CORN PLANTER.

AFPUCATION FILED AUG,9. i907. 1,144,625. Patented June 29, 1915,

8 SHEETS-SHEET 8.

im n@ CML UNITED STATES PATENT FFICE; ,A

n. wnnvnn, or snnmorrnnn, ILLINOIS, AssIGNon, BY nnsNn nssmmrniws, 'ro .mrnnunrronnn nnnvns'rnn conronnrion, A .conPonAfrI- on or Mw JERSEY.

conn-rnnrtmnn.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Application led August 9, 1907. Serial No.y 387,873.

' T0 all whom it may concern Be'- it lmown that I, IRA' A. Wnavnn, a citizen of the 'United States, residing at I Springfield, in the county of Sangamon and or dropping elements.

v.Stateof Illinois, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Corn-Planters,

owhich the following'is a specification. A

- Y 'Myinvention relates to seed planters, and theobject isto vimprove and simplify the construction and operation of such devices. In the carrying'out of this object I have employed intermittently operating driving mechanism receiving fixed movements, and

,connecting means between the driving mechbe made in the quantity of seed dropped during the progress of the machine over the field. Moreover, the-construction shown is such that diilerent numbers of seeds may be planted at each side in a two-row machine.'

The' planter shown 'is a`combined check row and drill type of an improved form. In the check row operation the seed shaft is driven intermittently, the initial movement being imparted by means ot' check forks contacting with tappets on a cheek wire, and

the movement completed by power derived from the axle or ground wheel. Inpthe drilling operation the seed shaft is driven constantly. and the connecting mechanism may then be employed, if desired, to interrupt the movement of the seed plates so that an intermittent drilling is thereby obtained.

Other objects and advantages will become apparent upon a vfuller understanding of the invention.

In order that those skilled in the art may fully understand my invention, I have illustrated one form of'my improved planter' on the accompanying drawings, forming a part of this specification, wherein- Figure 1 is a perspective view ,of the planter showing the pole or tongue broken oil;

Fig. 2 is a plan view on an enlarged. Vscale of. one4 ofthe planting or seeddropping mechanisms; Fig. 3 is a front elevation of the-mechanism shown in Fig. 2; Fig. 4 is a perspective view yof one ofthe seed dropping or V feeding devices with parts broken away and with the seed reservoir thrown back; Fig. 5 is a vertical section on a curvedline 5-5 of Fig. 2 Figf is a plan view of a portion of one 'of the seed dropping mechanisms showing the seed receptacle or@ reservoir and seed plate turned backwardly on their pivot or 'hinge pin, revealing the mechanism! normally beneath these parts;AFig. 7 isa vertical cross section von line 1 -Tof Fig. 6, the parts being in operative position; Fig. 8 is a perspective view ofthe pawl controllerthe pawll form-V- ing a part of-the clutch mechanism between the pinion driving the seed plate! and the mai-n actuating sha-ft; Fig. 9 is a substantiallycentralcross-sectionon a line at right angles to line 7--7 o'f Fig. 6;'Fig. '10

for the seed plate; Fig. 11 is a longitudinal section of the ring orhol'der with .the seed plate seated therein. Fig. 12-is' anA elevation of the mechanism shown in'fFig. 221s viewed of Fig. 12; and Fig. 19 is across-section on lille'19-19 of Fig. Figs. 20 to 24,. inclusive, illustrate. the paw] and ratchet clutch and its actuating mechanism in various positions.

As shown in Fig. .1, my improved planter includes, besides suitable `frame work and other parts, the ground or carrying wheels ,20, 20, their axle 21, a pair of seed reservoirs or compartments 22,22, and a single transverse shaft 23 extended across the front of the machine and rotatable in the bear` ings 2i supported by the frame of the machine. At each end shaft 23 is equipped' with a fork 25, the bifurcated end of which is adapted to straddle a check row wire (not shown) and lbe actuated by its tappets Y is' a. perspective view of the ring or holder .80 from the lefthand end; Fig. 13 is a pr- .or buttons, the wirefbeing guided on either side of the machine by a pair of rollers' 26 and 27 at right angles to eachother, as is customary- J Near the' middle of shaft 23 and mounted loosely thereon is a casting 28 (Figs. 2, and

ymillustrated in Fig. 14'. The casting 28 and its integral ratchet wheel 30 are constantly frotated during the' travel of the planter by means of a sprocket chain 31 (Fig. 1`) which passes around the sprocket Wheel 29 and a similar wheel (not shown) on axle -21.-

Adjacent to ratchet 30 and fixed to-shaft 23 'by one or more'set screws 32 (Fig. 14) so as to rotate therewithis a casting 33 havingon its face toward ratchet30 a substantially right-angle ange 34 which'at its .--lower end terminates in a curved Harige or .pocket 35 adapted, under certain'condtions, to receive and accommodatearoll'er 49 hereinafter mentioned. This casting 33 also has astop 36integral therewith and opposite the .top portion of flange 54, as is clearly pshown'in Fig. 14. Pivoted tol casting 33 fat the point 37 ..--is a bell-crank pawl 38 (Fig.

'i1-@having aliardenedsteel portion ortooth sol-'39 adaptedim overlie and engage the teeth of ratchet30 'and a'depending arm or tail 40. This pawl also has onitstop surface a .curved lug ori projection 41 adaptedto lie-within a spring"42 located between the pawland castingV 33 .and tending to push thefpawl -into operative. engagement with' the ratchet teeth.

` Bolted to the frame of the machine at 43,

vis,'a.casting 44 having a pairof` inwardlyy.490 extended legs 45- and 46. which are aperturedin .alineinent to receive and hold .in 'fixed position a cylindrical rod or shaft 47 which extends some distance beyond the leg 46, asfshowriin Fig. 2. An -armf48which 45 vmay be of`onsi'derable weight if 'desired' has 'at one end a roller 49 adaptedjto .co-I operate with the flange 34 and the lowerend of pawl-tail y40 and has ain-ain hollow body 5 0 with two legs '51y and 52 slidable 50?'and4 rotatable on Vthe ,rod or shaft v47, leg

,51 beinglocatedjbetween thev legs 4 5 and, 46, while the other, 'leg 52is foutside of arm orgleg 46. A 'spring 48a see Fig. 14 fas- .tenedto arm 48 and theframe ofthe maf5.5 chine normally pulls the arm downwardly.

Housed withinl the member 50 and encirvclir, rod 47 I provide a coil spring 53 which at one end abuts against the arm 46 and,-

. 'at its other end against a handle 54 loosely mounted on the rod and located in a slot 55 ofthe member 50 just inside of arm 51. Spring 53 therefore tends to lreep arm 48 and roller` 49 in the position shown in Fig.

strikes one of the` forks,- shaft'23fis tially rotated thereby suiciently to free thef 'resting the momentum of Y pstanding from the UOUOfthe Casting .l a lug 56 with Whih @he arm or lever.,-

54 cooperates to prevent substantial: shifting of ythe body 50 when the arm' 541s thrown :to one side into the path ofthe. lug.

' Casting-28 (Figs.i3) and Vits attached ratchet 30 rotatesconstantly,'receiving its power from the axle of the vground wheels, while vshaft 23 is rotated only intermittently when given an initial movement by a tapi engagement with the ratchet teeth 30, be-

ing` held in this position, asindicated in' Fig. 14, by the roller 49 of arm. 48. As soon as one of the vtappets o f the check wire par? castingl33 which turns therewith and arm 40 of the pawl from vthe roller 49, see'Figs'A. 23 and 24', the roller passing under the tail 40, whereupon under the iniiuence of `spring 42, pawl 38 engages oneV of the teeth'` the :sortl ratchet, thereby forming an operative conf 'nection between ,the constantly rotating ratchet wheel. 30 and shaft 23. This latterv shaft now receivesits `rotation from the 'axle 21 of thegroundjgwheels. 20 through d' the chain 31, sprocket-wheel 29, castir1g28,

ratchet 30, fpawl 38,and casting 33, the-com pletion of the rotation of-shaft 2,3 and its attached forks, after it has been started the tappet or button ofithe ocheck rowiwire, being accomplished or carriedA -out by this;

mechanism, and not bythe tappeton'the wire, lthe movements of the parts being so timed'or accelerated that 'the fork leaves the '.tappetgas soon 'asthe lpawl and ratchet' icov clutch is. thrown in 'to operative condition;

This single rotation of shaft 23 secures .the feeding or dropping of thev -properiiumber of kernels .Or'seeds for a single hill Aat'e'ach side: of vthe machine, as described below. j When shaftk 23 has 'completed this single revolution, s1ngle"check wire is again in position to re- `ceive an impulse or initial movement'froin the next tappet. Then the fork hasa'eached" the fork 25. co-actingzy"withv the Y 1-10 this position, roller 4 9, under the influence 4 fof its downwardly-pulling spring '48?, "has traveled over thejmght-angle `flanges 34,

see-Fig. 22, struck-the stop 36, thereby ar# and then dropped into ythe seat 35,*see` Fig. 1411'1 so doing pushing the arm 40 A'over sufliciently to release pawl 38y from lthe the moving. parts,

israised against the action of vspring .48a

momentum is rreadily of. Casting-28 `and the integral sprocket' wheel 29 and ratchet 30 continue their con-V u ...stamt and steady rotation,lbt thje'f-:mov-e- 'ist nre-1,695

`ment of the fork due to the engagement of the tappet therewith.

'Each seed reservoir `or compartment 22 is hinged on a bolt 57 which passes through a pair of ears 58 suitably mounted. on the frame yof the machine.A At 4the bottom of .its interior. each compartment '22 has an upwardly-bowed spider 59, as shown in Fig. 2, to the central portionof which, and beneath the same on a bolt 60, is rotatably 'l mounted a dome-shaped or convex agitator G1 having depending from its bottom face a pair of parallel fingers 62. Also hinged on the bolt 57 isa ring 63 having at its bottomV :edge a circular inwardly-extended l flange 64 on which rests and rotates a ring or annular" seed plate 65 of substantially the same diameter as the internal diameter of ring 63 (Fig. 11) and notched at intervals around its periphery at 66 to provide cells or pockets each adapted to receive one seed or kernel' of corn. In addition this seed plate has projected inwardly four ears or lugs 67` (Fig. 4); Opposite its hinge, ring (i3-has an aperture or hole 68 therethrough to allow the .seeds or kernels to pass to Y the discharge'chute. or boot described below.

On the main frame is a substantially annular'member 69nhaving a circular groove on its `top surface within which tits a flat annular or round crown gear 70.having on its top face four projections 71 and onits under face the' gear teeth 72 meshing with the teethof a pinion-73 (Fig. 9) form-j ingpart of a sleeve 74 loosely mounted on shaft 23 and'having at its other vend four ratchet teeth 75.V In order'to prevent the crown gear 70 from rising, I fasten by bolts partially overlaps 'the top face ofthe gear, as -is clearly' ind1cated`in- Fig. 6.A Y

Beneath each seed reservoir 22 andl fixed to shaft 23 by a set-screw78, (Figli) I provideva sleeve .79 lhavingat one end avcam I. 80 andat its other end and overlying the teeth of ratchet 75 a -pair of ears S1 be tween and, to'1whichis pivoted apawl 82 having a tail 83, a spring 84 (Fig. 7 being provided for normally pushing the pawl or dog into engagement with the teeth of the ratchet.. v f

In order-to provide means for changing the number of kernels or'seeds fed to each the unclutching o thehill, I supplythe following parts for the two feeding niechanisnsz Slidable 1n suitable bearings is 1a vshaft or rod 85 Set FigspZ', 3 and y8 having fixedY theretofbya 'set-screw 86 a 4foot-lever 87 pulled down-V wardly' by a spring'88 attached at one end tothe lever and at the other end to a parto 'the frame; Fixed to the rame'and adjacent'to and below the lever is van upright plate '89 having on its top edge' three notches 90, 91, and 92 into any one-of which a, tongue 'or rib 87a (Fig. 14) on theunder side 'of the lever may in fixed adjusted position and prevent shaft 85. from shifting l'ong'gitudinally.' Keyed or pinned to shaft beneath each seed'v reservoir isa pawl releaser 93 which lhas a top curved or concave surface or track 94'substantially concentric tovshat 23, and at one side of the surface 94 is a similar but shorter' curved surface 95. Each pawlfreleaser 93.

is fastened to shaft 85 .in such a manner as to prevent its 4movement lengthwi the shaft, but it is permitted to have a slight rockingon the shaft. Gn theP frame of the machine and on opposite sides'of each re- -leaser 95 see Fig. 8 are a pair of 'laterallyextended stopsv96 and 97 see Fig. 7 against which 'are adapted ,to abut the shoulders 98 and 99 of the releaser to limit its turning on itsshaft. The parts are so adjusted fit to hold the lever and positioned that when-therib 87 isfresting in notch of plate 89 the curved surface 94 of each pawl-releaser93 will be in the path oi travel of the tail 83 of its pawl 82. Under these conditions, during a complete revolution of shaft 23 each pawl 82 will be irl-engagement with the teeth 75 of and turn itsra'tchet during one-half of the revolution, and during the other halt1 of;

the revolution the pawl will be held out of 'curved surface A94; consecpiently the^bevel pinion will be turned only one-half a revolution. The feed plates actuated by the pinions under such conditions will feed two kernels offcorn to each hill.

If the rib 87a of lever 87 is in notch 91 thenthe shorter curved surface of each l releaser or controller 93 will be in the path 7 6to the ring 69 a segmental plate7 7 which lface 95. This-relation of'parts causes three of the seed pockets 66 -to be brought over each of the discharge chutes and their contents ejected, instead of twoipockets or cells as in the previous instance.

Ifthe nb Vefe-0f uw foot-ava 8,7 is 'in the K notch 92 oftheholding plate 89 then neither engagement` with"the-ratchet teeth by the of?` the curved :surfaces 94 or 95"'are in the Zpathglof travel of thetails of the pawls, so complete revolution of shaft v23 causes' a complete .revolution of Vthe bevel. pinions 73, resulting -1n a partial rotation of the 'seed plates suflicient to cause a feeding of four kernelsjto each hill.

During the rotation of shaft 23 each convex `or `crown agitator 61 soscillated beglofthe pair of ngers GQ between which it fits.

' This action of the agitator stirs up the kernels sufficiently "to cause each of the cells or lcause of the -coperatien or its cam 80 with chambers 660i the seed rings 65 tov be filled 'with one ofthe kernels or-seeds, sufficient space being allowed between the edge of the agitator and fthe side of casing 22 to permit the kernels to pass to their cells. As is obvious, edgeor. flat'drop seed plates maybe employed fon feeding and delivering the kernels. 'llo-prevent more than one kernel `ors'eed front-.becoming housed or seated in anybo the -recesses or pockets 66, 1 provide a fillet 63a,see-Fig. 11, at the junction of flange 64,.,with the rim of the holder 63, this fillet beingextendedfaround about oneethird so if of tha-annular, holder and being located so as to formfa" part of the bnttoin of the seed pockets 66.` If more than one seed or kernel attempts'to'lodgein any cell or pocket, the

' lletcausesone or more of them'to project cells. v Practicallyall ot' the pockets or cells 'greater distance. Y 'yhasfto' be beveled or chamfere'd to allow for Asuihci'ently, above the pocket or cell so thatit or they become? dislodged by the other ker- .nels 4of? cornof the reservoir or compartment seated in the l 'thirds of theholder not provided with the and;allov7 a single kernel to become properly pocket. The remaining twoillet may have a. fiat smooth surface or may bes'lightlygrooved or depressed at 63h tov facilitate the retention of the kernelsin the are..lledf during the first third or half of themot'ation of the seed plate so that there is, nef-ffnecessity :of extending, the fillet any The seed plate of course esence of thel fillet. he intermittent and variable rotation of thefpinions 73 has been describedabove, and

it-vvill'be'readily understood that such actuation of the pinions causes partial or step -pbyffstep rotation of gears and seed plates 5 'the extent of'rotation for each revolution haft 23 depending uponthe position of f'- lever 87 andv the. pawl-releasers 98. artial rotations of the gear rings 70 are Vsmitted to seed plates 65 by means of thlugs 71 abutting against the similar lugs 6T-on; the inner 'edge of the seed rings. -It v60 will, therefore, be understood that the seed rings' are rotated intermittently an amount whichf'nay be varied at will, depending upen the. position of lever 87, and owin-g to this adj ustable travel or rotation of the seed @Brings u variable number of seed cells or ""'c'eive a bolt 107 having on its lower end'a chambers 66 are brought oppositet he, di s.V

.charge openings 68 of rings 63 foreach-cour plete rotation-or revolution ofshait. -By

leavingfoot-lever.- 8'? 'in'I Y'adjustcail po'sition lwith its rib 87a in'any one ofthe-notchesfofj plate 89, a defniteg-numberof 'seeds orlrer- 4nels will be deposited in each-'hill Opposite its .hinge bolt 57 eachspider is provided with a hollow compartment (Fig. 5.), .housed within. whichv is a celll illing springpressed plunger 101 and -an ejector plunger 102 .both slidingA atan in-v clination through apertures in the top and bottom walls of the chamber. Plunger ,101 is presseddownwardly by aspring 103and corn ineach of the cells 66, the lower end of the plunger riding on the top surface of the seed ring 65. The ejector'plunger 102 Vis .also pushed downwardly by a spring 104, the lower end ofithe plunger being locatedV above; jthedischarge' opening- 6 8 and above the dropping chute describedfbelowg The lower portion-of the plungerxism adapted to the aperture 68 of'ring 63 and under-liefai,

portion yof the-ring, as indicated in Fig. .15, so that the casing 22 and the ring maybe 4lifted together .and4 turned, simultaneously about the hinge bolt 5 7. t In order 1to loclr the parts down in position 'I provide thefcasf.

with a projection 106 apertured torewinged nut 108 intended to be brought t0.

'bear against the under surface of a bifurcated lug 109 between thep'rojections of which the bolt fits.

Beneath the aperture 6801 ring 68 eachv annular member 6.9 has an openingyll therethrough, beneath `which is disposedthe' discharge 'chute 111 substantially rectangular in cross-section and having at its lower :end

a discharge mouth 112 at the heel offa runner or furrow opener 113, the forward end of which issupported by braces 114 fastened to the frame. At the top end of the discharge. chute 111,.piv'oted on a transverse pin 115, and of substantially the same/width as' the passage through the discharge chute, is a valve lever 116 having an end 117 extended out of the chute through a-.suitable opening toward shaft 23, and having at its outer end a valve portion 118 adapted to close the opening beneath hole 110, as indicated in Fig. 15. Turning of this lever on its fulcru'm is limited by a pin 119 extended transversely across the chute. A comparatively long arm or connecting'rod 120 is. pivoted to lever 116 at .121 and has near lts top end a so caused tosecurely seatv` a seed or'kernel of Ibo? 136, see Fig.

lateral perforated boss 122-, on one face. a recess ordepression 123, and at is lower end mother recess 124. To :torni recess 123 the rod 120 is offset as shown. Pivoted at125 at the lower end of the chuteis a valve pocket or receptacle 126 of substantially the same width as the'interior of the chute, and having an open top 127 and an open side 128, the other sides being closed. Pocket 126 and arm 120 are pivoted together at 129, the arm fittingl between the two side walls of the. pocket and closing the open side 128 when-the parts are inthe position shown in dotted lines in Fig. 12. A headed pin 130 passes through the axial aperture of boss 122, an encircling spring 131 normally pulling the head of the pin toward the arm 120. Between this head and the arm or rod 120 is a bar or intermediate valve 132 apertured at its top end for the passage of the' pin and bent'or oiset at 133 andV 134 as indicated.

A valve controller 135 lies against one ex'- terior face of the chute, and has at one end an integral laterally-projecting pin 136, see Fig. 18 extended through alined holes in the two sides of the chute and held in place by a cotter pin 137, the pin 136 `forming the fulcrum for the controller 135. A coil spring 138 is fastened at one end to the pin S, and at the other end to the eyeorloop 139 of arm or rod 120. A pin 140 not quite so long as the pin 136 projects from the saine side of the controller 135at its other end. This pin 140 extends into the interior of the chute through a slot 141 in oneside of the chute curvedV concentric to pin 136'. As is clearly illustrated on the figures, the pin 140 lies between arm or rod 120 and bar 132 acting as a support on or over which bar 132 slides. The side of the chute has two holes 142 and 143 into either of which may fit the end of a slidable spring-pressed pin 144, having a head 145, housed within a boss 146 of the member 135 and springpressed toward the chute. As will be readily understood, pin 144 in one or the other hole maintains the valve controller in adjusted position. When the controller 135 is in the position shown in Fig. 15 with pin 144 in hole 142 the parts are adjustedk for planting in hills, but when the Vcontrolleris moved to the positionshown in Fig. 16. with the pin in hole 143 the parts., are ready for drilling. Y

In order to open.. and close the valves or 'ets described, I provide means for turnmg lever 116 'on its ulcrunl, its movement being transmitted to the other parts throughv the connection shown and described. For this purpose I equip sleeve 79 withan arm 147 in such position that as shaft/23 and the sleeve 79 made fast thereto revolve, the arm,

147 willvcome beneath the end 117 of'lever Y 116, which is normally held down, by the actionoi spring 138,'the other orvalve end therefore, that as soon 118 Closing the passage throught@ top end of the chute. When, thearmilft', lifts the end 117.' of lever 116 th YlYeI-pb'rtion n.8 moves downwardly, opening'paseagc through the top of the chute. Thisturning vof arm 116 on its pivot oriulcrum 115, as indicated inFig. 15, pushes the connecting'rod 120 downwardly, thereby turning the pocket 126 on. its fulcrum: 125 and. opening the mouth" thereof discharging previously received kernels or seeds. Assuming that the controller 135 is in the planting position shown in Fig. 15, that part of bar 132 between its offsets 133` and 134 as it descends slides on pin 140k and vis pushed over so that the lower end of the bar contacts with. a wall of the chute, forming therewith an intermediate deposit chamber which receives and temporarily holds-` the kernels or seeds passing through .the ,upper valve. As soon as the arm 147 passeshy the. endof lever 116 spring 138 comes in to iaction so as to close,

the upper valve 118 land the lower pocket .or valve 1 6. This upward movement of the parts causes the spring-pressed bar 132 to recede from the wall of the chute because the part thereof below oi'set 134 rides on pin.

140 so that the kernels or seeds held in the intermediate' deposit vchamber are dropped into the lower pocket, which is at the` time closed ready for discharge into a hill on the succeeding actuationpf lever 116. It should be understood that the seeds which pass through the upper valve are temporarily retained 1n the intermediate deposit and afterward delivered to theheel valve or pocket for subsequent discharge into a hill.

For drilling,jthe controller 135 is swung downwardly and held in its new position by the spring pin 144 fitted in the 'hole 143. When in thispositionthe pin 140 ts in the recess 123 of the connecting rod 120 and holds the same down against the tension of the spring, as indicated in Fig. 16, in such position that4 the top and lower. valves are open andthe endV 117 of lever 116 is out of the path .of travel of arm 147. It will also' be noticed that the passage throughthe chutev is open its complete length, the bar 132 lying against the connecting rod 1,20 under the iniuence Aof its spring 131 because of new position of .pin 140. It be apparent., as the seeds are ejected or dropped out of vthe seedplate,v

they fall through the chute to the ground without stopping. In order, however, to make the feed ofv the seeds or kernels con.- tinuous, rather thanintermittent .as is required for hill planting, I rotatably 'mount'.l

on the frame a short shaft 148 see Eig. 3 having at one end an actuating handle 149 and at its other end an arm or. cam- 150 which during its partial rotation to bring it to dead center is adapted to engage a, depending finger llvothe casing 50 andpush the vsame along the rod 47'against the action of springs 53 and 48, see Fi s. 2, 3

and 14. This sliding movement oft e" casing 50, its integral arm 48, and attached roller 49 moves the latterout of the path of travel of the casting 33 and the tail 40 of pawl 39, so that the pawl is in constant enga gement with one of the teeth of ratchet 30, and the continuous rotation of ratchet 30.is transmitted to shaft :23 so .that thev same lrevolves continuously, no tappets or buttons on a checkwire being re 'uired for an initial movementil If the fee of seeds or kernels is .to bev continuous, the rib 87'fL of the foot lever 87 ,should be in notch 92 so`- that the continuous and uninterrupted turning of shaft 23 causes a like continuous rotation of the seed plate and a steady feeding 'or dropping of seeds. If desired, however, vthe'drilling action may, be such as to cause intermittent movement of the vseed plates, the interval of rest being variable through adjustment of the connecting mechanism between the plates and actuating shaft. An intermittent drilling action is advantageous inthe planting of cotton. rfSeed is thus:

' saved and chopping out of' growing plants is 'obviated The planter, as illustrated, has two seedr of -the machine would not differ from that dropped on the other side; If, however, it is desired to plant or drop differentv numbers of kernels or seeds per hill at the two sides of the machine, one of the pawl-releasers 93 (see Fig. 8) may be slid along'rod 85 and position bv the cotter pin held in its new 93 passing through a perforation through the hub or sleeve of arm 93 andone of the holes a throughtherod 85, of which one or more may be provided. vBy'thus changing the position ofone of the releas'ers` thereby modifying tlie'relation of the curved pawl-releasing'surfaces of the pair of releasers, the droppingV of seeds or kernels on the two sides of ,the machine may be made anything desired, for example, two kernels on one side and on one side and four onthe other.

It will be noted that the afm 48 and its rollerg49 during the rotatin' of the shaft- .firststop or arrest the mo'nentum of the moving parts by'thejstrilng of the roller .against stop 36 and then under the action of spring-48a the roller drops intov the seatv 35 holding pawl 38 out of engagement with .the ratchet teeth 30. When vone of theforks strikes a tappet or buttonio'f the check. row

wire, the shaft, casting 33, and the pawl 38 pivoted thereto begin to rotate, arm 48 and its' roller 49l remalning substantially' stationary. A s soon as the tail 40 'o f` pawl38 .of the shaft-and pazfmutedtherbff carried on by. the chain and sprocketFeonnecgf 7 0 l i tionf29, 31 with* the 'axle-of 4the machine.v f

Abrrwithout departing from the substance 'chute may be supplied-or' furnished with a three on the other, or threeA` the rollery "n' 0f the'tfh further rotation has over. `drifs l 49, t pawl at once* of the ratchet soffthat the Owing to thiscnstruction,`,the release of:`

'the' pawl from the vroller'is 'accomplished with butlittle strainv on the tappet of the check-row .wire and because of the positive s p'by theroller "of the moving parts by en .agement With` stop Ashoulder 3 6 there is y' -l no endency for the rotating parts to, iiy by- Wiout coming to a complete standstill. 'hough I have sho-wn and described'a machine which will 'plant.two, three, ,for four seeds or-Y kernels toa hill, to` those skilled in this a .tit will be apparent that the machine may L ef modied to plant -anydesired numand essence of my invention; and that the range ofvariation of the numbers of ker-.

nels per hill may be readily modified.

In order that the/operator ma'y know how the machine is working, each discharge transparent window Y152 preferably just'.

vabove the' intermediate deposit, but the de` vice works so satisfactorily and reliably that vsucha window or-peep-hole is hardlynecessary. f

The provision of the handle or arm 54, see

'Fig.f2, working in slot 55 is notab'solutely, requisite, but when it is shifted orturned soi-` u.

that if member 50 were slid on rod'47.; itf would strike the abutment. 56 it acts vas" a safeguard to prevent arm 48 fromleinl.

moved into drilling position plantingonly is contemplated.

- Although, I have illustrated andfaesenbea' in@ my invention in connection vwith a machine of the rotary fork type having but a single shaft, it will,v bie/)apparent to those Skilled in the art that /it'xnay be-used readily andlad` vantageouslyin other styles of machineswl such as, for example, Ithose that have the" 'v i ,forks on shafts separate and 'distinct from' the seed plate operating shaft.

Many 'modifications in the structure 'hereinv disclosed may be made without sacrificing .51,15' l 2 Athe advantages of my improved'construction l and'without departing from the substance invention as defined and outlined in j," f

ofmy the appended claims. 'Iclaim:.- A 1. In a seed-planter, the combination of a-- movable seed-plate provided with recesses .adapted to-' accommodate seeds or kefrnels :and discharge them at a definite point in the an 'intermittently- 125 x movement of said plate, actuated operating means, connecting -means between said operating m ans and seed-plate whereby during'each actuation of said operating means said seed-plateismoved to' suc' cessively bring a number of said,recesses"into -Q v discharging position eachjdelivemit;

discharge chute,

' position each deliverin tents, and controlling means'adaiiedyjto break the operative connectionf slid operating v means and tvary livered to each-hill; i

2. Ina seed-planter, thecombination of a rotary seed-plate provided :with recesses adaptedto accommodate seeds orkernels, a

a rotary shaft intermittently operated orrevolvingfsaid: seed-plate to bring a number of said recesses into communication with said discharge chute successively each discharging its contents into said chute; means connecting said rotary shaft with said seed-plate, and controlling means adapted to break the operative conmotion between said' rotary' 'shaft and seedplate at diierent points in the actuation of the latter whereby to vary the number of seeds or lkernels delivered to each hill.

3. In a seed-planter, the combination of a rotary seed-plate provided with recesses adapted to accommodate seeds or kernels and discharge them at a definite point in the movement of said plate, an intermittentlyactuated rotary Voperating shaft adapted' to revolve said seed-plate to-bringa number of said recesses successively into discharging v its contents, a clutch between said shaft an seed-plate, and controlling means to render said clutch inoperative at dierent points in the actuation of said seed-plate whereby-to vary the number of seeds or kernels delivered to each hill.

4. In a seed-planter, the vcombination of a rotary seed-plate provided with recesses adapted-'to accommodate seeds or kernels and discharge them at a denitepoint in the movement of said plate, an intermittentlyactuated operating shaft adapted tov revolve said plate to bring a number ofds'aid.J recesses successively into dischargingposition each delivering its contents, aclutch between said shaft and seedlate comprising a ratchet wheel and a paWl normally engaginga tooth of said ratchet Wheel', and controlling.' means to move saidpawl and maintain it out of ent gagement wvith 'said ratchet at diierent peints in the actuation cisaid seed-plate whereby to vary the number of seeds erkernels delivered to each hill.

v5. In a seed-planter, the combination of. a rotary seed-plate provided with recesses .adapted to accommodate seeds orkerncls-and discharge them at a definite point in the movement of said plate, an intermittently- .actuated operating shaft adapted to revolve said seed-plate to bring a number of said` recesses successively into discharging position each delivering its contents, a clutch between said shaft and seed-plate comprising -a ratchet Wheel and a pavvl "rotatable vvvith said shaft and normally engaging a tooth of t seed-plate at diiferent' points in the actuation of the latter whereby the mnnbeiA` of seeds or kernels de said ratchet," A, "f iians withv purl-releasing tracksfas' ,nt lengths adapted to be projecteclf s'n'giyiilto' thepaii of' travel of; pawl tomovethelstteriandi vadapted to accommodate seeds or kernels and discharge them at a definite point in the movement of said plate, anintermittently-- actuated operatin shaft adapted to' revolve said seed-plate to ring a numberofsaid recesses successively into discharging sition each delivering its contents, a clutch tween said operating shaft and `seed plate comiising a ratchet-wheel and pasvl having'a tail rotatable with said shaft and normally engaging a .tooth of said ratchet-Wheel, and. slidable controlling lmeans with paivl-releasing tracks of different lengths adapted to be projected `singly into the path of travel of the tail of said pavvl to move said pawl and maintain it out. of engagement with said ratchet during varying portions of the intermittent-actuations of said operating shaft whereby to vary the number of seeds or kernels delivered to each hill. p

7. Ina seed planter, the combination of a plate' provided With seed cells, a shaft for moving said plate to dischargelseed `from said'cells, a member rotated bypower derived from the ground Wheels, a freely movable clutch element between said shaft and member movable transversely with respect to said shaft into engagementwith said member, means on said shaft adapted to be operated by a tripping device to impart initial movement to saidfsh aft7 such' initial movement rendering the clutch element effective to continue the movement of thejshalt, and

clutch element is rclgased. I s

v8. yIn aseed planter, the combination of a seed plateprovided with recesses adapted to accommodate seedsor kernels, .a discharge chute, a shaft for moving said seed plate to bring a'fnumber of said recesses into communication with said discharge chute ysuccessively, each' delivering itsv contents into said chute, a member rotated by power derived from 'the ground Wheels. a clutch between said shaft and member, a fork on said shaft adapted to coperate with the tappets of the check row wire'and by an initial turning of said'shaft render said clutch operative tolimpart a full revolution to said shaft. means to release said clutchg'an arm pivotally co'nnected to a fixed part, and'means connected to a moving part and positioned to lift said arm to stop the momentum of the moving parts when the clutch is released.

' forjoperating said mechanism, a forkon Asaid rotated by power derived from the .9, a lseed planter,the combinationv of a seeddropping or feedingmechanism, a shaft shaft adapted tocoperate with' the' tappets or buttons of the check row wire, a member ground i' orfcarryxng wheels .a freely movable clutch, 'yelement between said member and shaft movable transversely vwith respect "to said 4-der said clutch element inoperative, when -jsaid shaft has completed 'its rotation.

lshaft into engagement with saidl member,

means toI render said clutch element opera` tive byv an ini-'tial partial rotation of said shaft caused by the engagement of a tappet onthe check row wire with said fork to'impart a full. revolution to said shaft, and means to arrest the' momentum of the shaft.l fork and seed feedingmechanism' and ren-v 10. In a seed planter, the combinationd a seed-dropping ior feeding mechanism, a shaft for operating .said mechanism,v a. fork on said shaft adapted to coperatewith the tappets or buttons of a check row wire, a member rotated by power derived from the ground'or carrying wheels, a clutch between said member and said shaft, a stop arm'rotatable with said shaft andhaving mounted thereon one of the'el'ements of saidclutch,

and means co-acting with and' vin the path of travel of said vstop arm.. and clutch element permitting an initial movement ofsaid shaft bythe engagement of one of the check row `wire tappets with said fork to render said clutch operative, said means by-,engagement with said stop arm arresting the mo mentum of the shaft, fork, and's'eed-feeding mechanism 'and by cperation i'vvithtA said\ clutch, element rendering the' clutch inc per--l ative when the shaft" and f orl:A have com..

. pleted their revolution.'

11. In a lseed planter, the combination f a seed-dropping or. feeding mechanism, a shaft;I for"operat1ng said mechanism, a fork I ratchet, said means by engagementwith said o'nsaidVv shaft adapted 'to coperate with the tappets' or buttons ofa check row wire, a

said shaft by the engagement of one of the. check row wire-tappets with said fork to permit said pawl-Y'Ito engage a' tooth of said stop arm arresting". the momentum`- of the shaft, fork, and"said-feed ing mechanism and by coperation with said pawl rendering the` cl'utch inoperative when .the shaft andforlg have completed their revolution.

,12, a seed planter', the combination. of

a seed-dropping or feeding mechamsm,

ground or carrying Wheels, a stop arm rotaa shaft for operating said mechanism, la. fork* .on said shaft adapted Jto cooperate withr the ltappets or buttons of a-check rowl Wire,ja member rotated by power derived from the table with saidshaft and having mounted'r y' thereon a-clutchl element, and a movable spring-actuated clutch-controlling arm coacting with and in the path of travel of'- said stop. arm and clutch element permitting an initial movement ofsaid shaft bythe f 'y engagement of one of said check row Wire'y tappetsvwith said fork to render said clutch Operative, said clutch-controlling armby en- 'f i gagement with saidv stop arm arresting 'the momentum of the shaft, fork, and'seed-feeding mechanis clutch eleme/n rendering lthe vclutch inoperative k'whenl thegshaft and forkI have completed their revolution. f

a seed-dropping or feeding mechanism, a shaft for operating said mechanism, a fork on said shaft adapted tocoperate'with the tappets or buttons of a'v check7A row wire, a

and by. cooperation with said i i i I 13. In a seed planter, the combination of' *member rotated by'power derived from the ground or carrying wheelsfa 'stop arm rotav f'.

table with said shaft and having mounted thereonga clutch element, a movable-springactuated, clutch controlling arm co acting with and inthe path of travel ofsaid stop 'arm and, clutch elementaffpermitting an initial movement of said shaft by the engagement of one of said'check row wire tappetswith said fork to render-saidv clutch op?- erative` said clutch-controllingl arm-by enm'omentum ofthe shaft, fork, and seed-feeding mechanism and by coperation with said clutch element rendering thev clutch inoperative when the shaft 'and foi-l; have completed their revolution, and means to shift ,v

said clutch-controlling arm out of the path of travel of said stop arm and clutch'element during drilling. f

gagement. with saidl stopfam arresting the- :11o 14. In a seedplanter, the combination of f.

a seed-dropping or feeding mechanism, a shaft for operating said mechanism, a fork on said shaft adapted to coperate with the f y v115.

tappets or buttons of a check row wire, a member rotated by power derived from the ground or carrying wheels, a.'` pawl'and ratchet clutch between said member andsaid y 2- f shaft, a stop arm rotatable with said Shftj.

and having mounted thereon the pawl of said clutch, and va' pivoted spring-actuated 4` clutch-controlling arm co-acting with and in f the lpath oftravel of said stop arm and pawl permitting an initial movement'ofsaid k row lwire tappets with. saidv fork to ,render 'Y shaft by the engagement of one of--the check said clutch'operative, s aidclutch-controlling arm by engagement with said stop arm 'arrestingthe momentum of the shaft, fork,

and said feeding mechanismaid by coperlation with saldpawl rendering the clutch vinoperative' when the shaft and fork have member rotated by com leted their revolution. v

In a seedlanter, the combination vof aseed-dropping or feeding mechanism, a shaft for operating said mechanism, afor onrsaid shaft adapted to coperate withthc tappetsor buttons of a check row wire, a power derived from the ground or carrying wheels, a stop. arm ro- A' tatable with said shaft, said arm having '-track, I spring-actuated clutch-controlling arm co to render said clutch operative,

mounted thereon a clutch element, and being equipped with a right-angle track, a pocket or recess at the lower end of .said and a stop shoulder, anda pivoted actingv with and in the path of travel .Tof said`1'ight-angle flange, stop shoulder, and clutch element permitting an initial movement of said shaft by engagement withfone of the check row wire tappets with said fork said clutchcontrolling arm by`engagement with said 'stop shoulder arresting the momentum of thishaft, fork, and seed feeding mechafnism, and by coperation with said clutch their revolution.

- element rendering vthe clutch inoperative when the shaft and Yfork have completed 16.V In a seed-planter, the combination of a plurality ofmovable seed-plates each pro- A definite point in ,vided with recesses adapted to accommodate seeds or kernels and discharge them 'atie the movement of the plate, an intermittently-actuated operating means, connecting means between during each actuation of said operating means 'each seed-plate is movedto Vsuccessively. bring av number of its recesses into discharging position each delivering its con tents, and controlling means operable lduring the actuation of the machine and adapt- ,.'edto break theoperative connections between said operating at different points in va plurality of seed-plates each provi means and seed-plates the actuation of-fthe latter whereby to vary the number ofl seeds or kernels delivered to each hill. f

17. In-a seed-planter, the combinationdo with recesses adapted to accommodate seeds .Y tion between said or kernels, a discharge chute for each 'of said seed-plates,

move said seed-plates to bring a number` of said recesses into communication said discharge chute successively each delivering its contents to its chute, said means including an actuating shaft common to all fof said. seed-plates, and va single controlling mea-ns operable during theactuation of said machine to simultaneously break the connecactuatingyshaft and all of tating said pl said operating means and each of said seed-plates'whereby,

means `Vto intermittently saidseed-plates at diiferentpoints inthe actuation of the A latter whereby to vary the number ofseeds' or' kernels delivered to the' haus- Y 18'. uplanter, the combination of va pa 'of seed-feeding mechanisms .each

adapted to planta predeterminedfnumber of seeds or kernels perhill, an adjusting means to simultaneously varythe number of seeds or kernelsL delivered per by Uboth of said seed-feeding niechanismsfand an# other adjusting means tolvary the number of seeds or kernels fed by; one Qf'said feeding .mechanisms 19. In a seed-plantcr,'thecmbination of a rotary seed-plate provided with .recesses v adapted to accommodate seeds or kernels and discharge them `at a 'definite point in' is rotated to successivelyV bring a number of said recesses into discharging positioneach delivering its vcontents, -Y and controlling means adapted to break ythe'operative connection between said andseed-plate at different points in theactuation of the latter whereby to. vary the number of 4seeds or kernels delivered to each hill.` v

20. In a seed-planten'the combination of a rotary-seed-plateprovided with recesses' 'adapted to accommodate seeds or kernels and discharge 'them atA a definite point in the movement of said plate, a shaft for intermittently rotating said plate, driving means for operating said shaft, .a clutch between said driving means and shaft, means to thro'w said clutch out of action at the completion of each revolution of said shaft, a fork mounted on said shaft co-actingwith the tappets of ya lcheck-row wire to give the shaft itsintermittent initial movements to render said clutchv active, thereby, permitting said revolution of said shaft and fork, a second clutch between said shaft and seed-plate by means o f which said shaft is adapted to successively bring a number of saidrecessesv -int'odischarglng position each deliveringits contents, and adjusting and controlling means governing the operation of said second clutch and adaptedto vary the number of seeds or'kernels planted per hill; 'Y

driving means to complete the -21. In. arplalite'nvthe combination-with seedidropping plate, of continuously oper- Y ating mechanism from which said plate is of movement.

' .ment, and a further part adapted to be connected with the seed plate'for the whole or operated by connecting mechanism, said con,- necting mechanism comprising 'a part adapted to be put into engagement with said continuou'sly operating devices, to give said pa'rt a predetermined 'amount of movement at each actuation, and a further freely movable part adapted to be connected with said Seed plate to give the same'varying amounts 22. lIn. alplanter,thecombination with a seed-dropping plate, of a'continuously operating mechanism from which said plate isv actuated by suitable connections, said connections comprising a part adapted to be operatively 'connected with said continuously operating'mechanism to give said part a certain predetermined amount of movea part. of the predetermined movement.

' v 23. In a'lplanter, the combination with a seed' `dropping plate, vot continuously oper-y ated mechanism and connections for operatively connecting saidfcontinuously operat-v ing mechanism and said seed plate, said connections including. a part` adapted to be intermittently. put intoengagement with said c'o'ntinuously operating mechanism, to givel said part a certain predetermined amount of movement, and a further part adapted to `be connected with saidseed plate during -thewhole orA a part of the period ofsaid pre# 4determined movement."

24. In a planter,'the combination-,with .a

`seed droppingplate, of a continuously .op-

erating power applying mechanism therefor, a connecting device interposed between said' power applying mechanism and said plate,

provided with \a movable part connecting said device with the power mechanism to eiect the same predetermined movementof said connecting device at each operation," and a second movable part for connecting.

said device with the seed plate for imparting a variablemovement thereto and controllingA devices for throwing said second movable part` out of operative-position for dierent "periods in the. predetermined operation of- `,said connecting device; v Y

25. In a' planter, the combination with a seed dropping phzte,of a continuouslyvoperating mechanism and connections for operatively connecting said continuously operating 'mechanismand lsaid plate, said connections 4comprising 'a part adapted toy be connected with said continuously .operating mechanism to give said part a certainpredetermined amount of movement, and -a fur` ther part adapted to be connected with said seed plate for varyingperiods duringsaid Upredetermined movementwhereby the .said

seedy'plate is connected with said contiliilei ating mechanism and. jsaid seed plate, 'said thrown finto'fengagement with said continu; ously operating mechanism to give said part a certain predetermined amount of movement, anda further part adapted to be coll nected with the said seedplateforthe'whole.

of said predetermined. movementy vortfb'edisconnected. with* said plate during apart of said predetermined movement tok give vail rying amounts of movement to the seed plate. .l V l 27. In 'a'fplanteig thecombination withv a seed dropping :platefof continuously operating mechanismk and f connections betweenjf-'I' f the two, said connections including a clutch. adapted tobe connected with said continuously operating mechanism to give the clutch of the predetermined Imovement 4of the clutch, and means for controlling the con-l 28. In aplanter, the combination withV the i Aseed dropping plate,.. of fcontinuously-op! erating'. mechanism including a ratchet wheel, a pawl adapted to be thrown into engagement-vvith said ratchet and to-be disen gaged therefrom after having been moved its' 29. In a planter, the combination with thel f seed dropping plate, of acontinuously" op'v erating mechanism including a ratchet wheel, a clutch.comprising-l bodycarrying.

vtwo pawls, one otsaid pawls adaptedto bethrown 'into engagement with said ratchet to be moved a certa-in predetermined distance, and the ther paivl adapted to' be thrown v`into connection with said seedjdropping plate during-.the whole or apart of the predetermined-movement of said paw-l.-

aplanter, the combination with-a1 seed dropping plate, offa disk provided withA e a. series of projections operatively connect-v f 4120 mally engaging a projection -of said disk to ed with said seed plate, of a pawl noractuate the said,l disk and saidplate, 'of a -series of movable camshand means'formoving said cams independently into and outof i `position to engage said pawl to release said pawl from. engagement with said disk. 1

31. In a planter, the combination with the c seed dropping platen'of a disk operatively 901r a predetermined amount of movement, said Y c n clutch being also adapted to be connected 2f with said seed-'plate fr'the whole or partij'.

nection between said clutch and seed plate.

4connected therewith and provided with a series of projections, a pawl normally engaging a projection yof said disk, means for actuating said pawl, a series of movable Vcams adapted `to be brought into position i tions'of said disk and pass over the same,

and Yn ie'ans'fo'r moving one or more of said cams into posit-ien to engage said pawl.l

.32. In apl'anter, a seed shaft, a seed dropping element, a' constantly rotating mech-v anism on the Vseed sha-ft, means for connecting the constantly rotating mechanism to the seed shaft at predetermined periods for imparting a complete revolution to the latter, and adjustable means for connecting the-shaft and seed dropping element to impart 'more or less movement to, the latter during each revolution of the shaft.

33. Ina planter, a-seed plate, a rotatable driving clutch actuated at predetermined intervalsy through 360 of movement, and

adjustable means connecting the clutch and seed plate vfor driving the latter through variable degrees of movement.

34. Ina seed plate, a seed shaft, a seed v-plateon each end thereof, an intermittently ,operating clutch for imparting a complete revolution to the seed shaft, and .djustable means between each seed pla-te an the shaft forV imparting variable degrees of movement to the plates;

35. In aseed planter, a seed shaft, seed plates at each end thereof, an intermittently operating clutch for impartingv a coml n plete revolution tothe seed shaft, adjustable connecting mechanism lbetween each seed plate and the sha-ft'for imparting variable degrees of movement to the plates, and unitary controlling means for both of said connecting mechanisms. j

. 36. In a seed planter, ground wheels, a frame carried thereby, a drivers seat on said frame, a furrow opening frame carried' at the forward end of the wheel frame, a

shaft extending transversely of said furrow opening'frame, a'hopperat each end of the shaft on the furrow opening frame, seed dropping mechanism, in said hoppers, a clutch carried von the shaft' and receiving power` from the ground wheels, means for operating the clutch intermittently to give the shaft a predetermined movement at each operation thereof, connecting mechanism between each end of the shaft and the adjacent seed dropping mechanism, and means operable from the seat for adjusting said' connecting. vmechanism' to vary the distance through `which the seed dropping mechanism is moved.

ment, a reyoluble device having a Xed intermittent movement, and connecting mechment, driving mechanism, and connecting z mechanism therefor comprising a ratchet' device, a pawl, a cam mechanism to engage 'with the pawl and permit it to pass over onea or more notches in said ratchet, and means for moving said cam to vary the extent -of engagement.

39. In a planter, a seed dropping element, a) rotatable shaft therefor, a fork fixed to said shaft, a constantly rotating member loose lon said shaft, a clutch member rotatable with saidshaft and movable trans# versely with respect theretol into engagement with said constantly rotating member by an vinitial movement of said fork, and means for disconnecting said clutch from the constantly rotating member at the end of a full revolution.

40, In a planter, a seed plate, driving mechanism operable intermittently through -tatingmechanism for driving said seed shaft, a clutch member on said shaft in position to engage with said constantly rotating mechanism, a check fork fixed to said shaft and normally projected downward whereby an initial pull on said fork operates to connect said clutch member with the constantly rotating mechanismA for a pre` determined period, and a trip device carried in the path of said clutch member to disemgage the latter from the constantly rotating mechanism at the en of a full revolution.

42. In a seed pla ter, a seed :droppin element,driving means controllable by cli row mechanism to 'operate intermittently and adapted to operate constantly when. the check row mechanism is discontinued, and

adjustable connecting means between 'the seed dropping element and the driving mechanism.

43. In a convertible check row and drill planter, a seed dropping element, driving' `mechanism capable of intermittent or continuous operation, and connecting means between the driving mechanism and seed dropping element, said connecting mechanism being adjustable to vary the quantity of seed delivered by the seed dropping element when the driving mechanism is operated in either Y manner. 37. .In a seed planter, a seed dropping elef 44. -In a seed planter, a seed dropping element, means whereby ,the seed dropped` therefrom may be drilled comprising actuati mechanism for said dropping element:

for adjusting said actuating mechanism to i ,gutoma-tcally imparting successive periods dropping 'element in said hopper, means mentof said seed droppmg element, and whereby the seed dropped therefrom may be means for ad]usti11g said connecting mechlrrilled comprisirg bactllllating mechanism anism'to vary the intervals of rest. v f iven continuous y y t e carrying Wheels 'v v Y f said actuating mechanism being capable of IRA `15 automatically imparting successive periods Witnesses:

of movement thereto, and means for adjustingy said actuating mechanism to vary the -periods of movement.

Q45. In a' seed planter, carrying Wheels, a lmain frame, a driversseat on said frame, a seed hopper carried by said frame in a position remote from said drivers seat, a seed yof movement to the seed dropping element,

and means operable :from` the drivers sea* vary the periodsof movement.

' 46. Ina seed planter,`a seed dropping element, driving mechanism therefor, means I whereby the seed dropped by said element i maybe drilled comprising a make and'breakv connecting mechanism betweenthe drivingmechanism and the seed dropping element WM.' S. Woamcx, N. A. MoCoToHmvgglj 5 I! 4 operating to autoinatically suspend move- 

